"Significantly more savoury than the Sonnenberg, with fruit shifting to the back seat. Cedar spice, drying mountain herbs and the high-toned lift of juniper and spruce. Lively acidity and the alluring smoky spice of dark slate. Luminous silk, even as a blanket of oak, at the moment, covers the detailed structure and chiselled shape beneath. Savoury and spice with a touch of blackcurrant on the lingering finish"
Paula Sidore
German Wine Specialist for Jancis Robinson (2023)
17.5 + points out of 20
VPD. GROSSE LAGE (Grand Cru) is the highest classification of quality for German vineyards. Wines produced from these vineyards have a complex taste, expressive character and excellent aging potential. Dry wines, such as this Spätburgunder Grand Cru dry, from VDP.GROSSER LAGE are called VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS.
Wine: This Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) is pure, fruity and concentrated. Cherries, blackberries and cocoa combined with pepper, juniper and herbs to form a complex bouquet. On the palate, the dry red wine shows a very fine tannin structure and a firm long-lasting finish with fresh acidity.
Vineyard: In Walporzheim, the Ahr valley starts to become narrow and the hillsides steeper. Here, the vineyards are shaped as terraces. The soil is rich in slate and greywacke sandstone. The steepness and intense direct sunlight create a nearly Mediterranean micro climate, which creates a powerful Grand Cru wine.
Vinification: Old vines, sustainable viticulture, consistent yield reduction and careful hand selection of grapes forms the basis of this wine. The grapes are gently crushed, and then undergo fermentation and maceration for around 20 days. The wine matured in barriques (French oak barrels) on the fine yeast for 18 months. The wine is then bottled unfiltered and is left to mature for a further six months.
Alcohol: 13,0% vol.
Res. sugar: 0,1 g/l
Acidity: 5,8 g/l
Drink: 2024 – 2029